Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Take the extended-release capsule or tablet with food either in the morning or evening at about the same time each day. If your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed.

Swallow the extended-release capsule whole with fluid. Do not crush, chew, divide, or place the capsule in a liquid.

If you are unable to swallow the extended-release capsule, open it and pour the medicine on a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture of applesauce and medicine right away without chewing. Drink a glass of water so all of the medicine is swallowed.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage forms (extended-release capsules, extended-release tablets):
    • For depression:
      • Adults—At first, 75 milligrams (mg) per day, taken as one dose in the morning or evening. Some patients may need a starting dose of 37.5 mg per day, taken for 4 to 7 days. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 225 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For generalized anxiety disorder:
      • Adults—At first, 75 milligrams (mg) per day, taken as one dose in the morning or evening. Some patients may need a starting dose of 37.5 mg per day, taken for 4 to 7 days. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 225 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For panic disorder:
      • Adults—At first, 37.5 milligrams (mg) per day, taken for 7 days, taken as one dose in the morning or evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 225 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For social anxiety disorder:
      • Adults—75 milligrams (mg) per day, taken as one dose in the morning or evening.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For depression:
      • Adults—At first, a total of 75 milligrams (mg) per day, divided and taken 2 or 3 times during the day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 225 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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